Former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Mayor Kasim Reed and the city, saying he was terminated in 2015 because of his religion.
Attorneys with faith-based nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom are representing Cochran in the suit, filed in a U.S. District Court. They say Cochran’s self-authored religious book, which contained controversial passages about homosexuality, cost him his job.
The mayor has repeatedly said Cochran’s judgment — and not his faith — is why he was terminated after serving a 30-day suspension without pay.
The lawsuit is a separate legal proceeding from a federal discrimination complaint Cochran filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
In addition to the Alliance Defending Freedom, Cochran has received support from organizations including the Georgia Baptist Convention and the Family Research Council.
Coverage of the story by the AJC
Atlanta fire chief suspended over book controversy
Mayor Kasim Reed terminates fire chief following book controversy
Ex-Atlanta fire chief files discrimination complaint against City
Former Atlanta fire chief files federal lawsuit against city, mayor
Cochran controversy draws response from GOP Georgia congressmen
Kasim Reed responds to Georgia congressmen on fired fire chief
Ex-Atlanta fire chief the GOP darling of Congress’ ‘religious liberty’ debate
Ex-Atlanta fire chief: God prepared me for this storm
Former Atlanta fire chief’s court case goes forward
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